New feature for Pixel smartwatch can save money and improve training

We recently reported on the Wear OS 6 update for the Pixel Watch, which naturally includes new features and various adjustments, but Google hasn't given equal attention to all the new features available. As it turns out, the update also introduces a feature - that is normally standard on modern or higher-priced smartwatches - to the Google Pixel Watch 2. This feature concerns optical heart rate measurement.

This is not about the quality of the heart rate measurement per se, but rather the way in which the values recorded by the optical sensors can be utilized. According to an article by Zakwan Oebit, the Google Pixel Watch 2 can now also be used to send heart rate values to an external device. In this context, the Pixel Watch essentially functions as an external heart rate sensor.

This feature is probably not so relevant for many users, but it can save money in certain situations, such as eliminating the need for an external heart rate sensor. This could also help wearers to avoid using the integrated heart rate measurement feature on a fitness machine such as a treadmill, which often requires touching electrodes and so can affect your running form.